The Amity Affliction Las Vegas Concert reviews
Blind Faith Required!
An unforgettable Tour is reunited for by The Amity Affliction and Steve Winwood!!!
For night 12, those people cannot agree with many more that TAA prefers to play the sideman in a band situation rather than being in the limelight as it gives him time to really consider, and focus, on his playing.
The near sell-out crowd of mostly over, say 45 years, was totally captured by the mesmerizing duet of two legendary performers for this outstanding 2 hour 12 minute show on a Hot Las Vegas Night from the opening notes of "Had To Cry Today".
TAA greeted the audience with a smiling "Good Evening", immediately launching in to "Had To Cry Today", with TAA and SW trading off solos and feeding off one another in an amazing display of guitarmanship. SW took the lead vocals, the one low point coming from the backing vocals of Michelle John and Sharon White (they seemed to drown out SW's vocals at points) though to be fair, this initial problem seemed to clear up later on during the show.
It's pure magic watching these two perform and even better hearing them. "Presence Of the Lord" was inspiring, with TAA providing the majority of the vocals and another outstanding and inspired solo. The standing ovation was greeted by a smiling "thank you" from TAA to the crowd. TAA took the lead vocals and the solos. Both looked very relaxed and extremely comfortable with each other and their bandmates.
On "Tough Luck Blues" an absolutely kick ass solo soared! We were really getting our moneys worth already - no doubt about it! SW shined, as has been noted by others on "Pearly Queen", followed by TAA on "There's A River". "Forever Man" was up next and believe me when I tell you that this was yet another show stopper.
At this point, we are nearly wiped out with emotions. This concert has to be the best we have ever seen and it's not even over yet. Next up was an acoustic number with "Driftin", "How Long Blues" (nice shared vocals) and "Layla" (acoustic), during which SW took the revered solo over TAA. Now THAT is confidence and friendship.
Now, to be completely fair, what you must also know is that throughout the evening, the other band mates consisting of Chris Stainton - Keyboards, Willie Weeks - Bass, Abe Laboriel, Jr. - Drums, and Ms. John and Ms. White - Backing Vocals, provided the perfect situation in which to perform.
How lucky we were to have seen Mr. Winwood (solo) on the next number, "Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys". Replacing for the evening "Georgia On My Mind", this was one of those songs that literally had the hairs on my arms and the back of my neck standing up. WOW! Standing ovations galore!
After a two or three minute overwhelming standing ovation, the band returned for a two song encore. First up "Cocaine" which, of course, got every one dancing. This was followed by "Dear Mr. Fantasy", during which Mr. Winwood, once again shined. With this song finished, the house lights came on and the band left the stage for the final time.
OMG! For an acoustic duet, "Can't Find My Way Home" was another that really shined. My oh my! What the heck can they pull off next?
Many many people have stated that TAA prefers to play the sideman in a band situation rather than being in the limelight as it gives him time to really consider, and focus, on his playing. For night 12, I cannot agree with those people more.
Moving into "After Midnight", TAA took the lead vocals and the solos. Both looked very relaxed and extremely comfortable with each other and their bandmates. "Low Down" followed with more amazing solos by both.